Maths class had just ended and lunch break began.
Suddenly—
"Ryuji-kun! Let's add each other!"
Ryuji looked at the girl smiling brightly in front of him with interest.
"Of course!" He matched her enthusiasm.
Kushida happily took his phone and added her number. The class watched Kushida jumping in joy around Ryuji. She had exchanged countless contacts yesterday and the day before yesterday but she never showed such an expression.
"Hmph! Why's she paying attention to that gloomy loner?"
"C'mon, no way you think Kushida is interested in that guy… whatever his name is. Wasn't he stuttering during his introduction?"
"I don't think you're qualified to judge others considering how cringe your own introduction was Ike hahaha," Yamauchi laughed, clutching his stomach.
"Shut the fuck up, everyone was looking at you like they were looking at a clown. Do you even believe half the things you said, Yamauchi?"
"Meh, if you can't stand my brilliance then go cry somewhere else." Yamauchi rocked in his chair back and forth.
…
Conversations similar to Ike and Yamauchi murmured across the class as Kushida made her way back to her seat.
Ryuji looked at her faintly before withdrawing his gaze.
This bitch is really doing her best to sabotage me.
She was obviously trying to make the rest of the boys of the class resent him by showing him more bias than the rest.
Though it wouldn't amount to much for now, after all, most young teenagers aren't inherently malicious. At best they'd feel a bit jealous before moving on.
But Ryuji knew Kushida was simply sowing seeds for whatever future schemes she had. He wondered if he'd be threatened by a Sexual Assault case as well.
Nonetheless, he was impressed, venomous women had a charm of their own.
But too much venom was never good.
If necessary, the fangs of the viper would have to be pulled out.
…
By now most students had gotten up for lunch when suddenly—
"At five PM Japan Standard Time today, we will be holding a student club fair in Gymnasium No. 1. Students interested in joining a club, please gather in Gymnasium No. 1. I repeat, at—"
A girl with a sweet voice continued the announcement.
"Hey Yamamoto, want to check it out?" Ayanokoji looked at the guy sitting in front of him.
"You're interested in joining a club?" Ryuji turned around in his chair and asked curiously.
"I mean, I'd like to check it out. Whether to join or not can be considered after seeing it out."
"Well, have you joined a club before?"
"Oh… I was part of the going home club."
Suddenly a cold snort sounded from nearby, full of disdain.
Ayanokoji's eyebrow twitched as he turned to Horikita, "You've got a problem?"
"Does it seem like it?" Horikita replied coolly without lifting her head from the sandwich. She took small elegant bites that made Ryuji want to pat her head.
"Self-absorbed narcissist…" Ayanokoji muttered under his breath, deciding it was a waste of time.
"Say that again?" Horikita glared at Ayanokoji and Ayanokoji averted his gaze.
"So will you come along?" He turned his attention back to Ryuji who nodded happily.
But Ryuji subtly nudged Ayanokoji who looked at him in confusion. Ryuji gestured towards Horikita and Ayanokoji immediately understood the unsaid words.
He looked at Ryuji deeply, feeling betrayed.
I guess I'll just listen to him, he's my first friend after all.
With that pitiful thought, Ayanokoji turned to Horikita begrudgingly under Ryuji's amused eyes.
"Hey, Horikita—"
"I'm not interested in joining a club."
"I didn't even ask you anything yet."
"Well, what is it?"
"Are you interested in joining a club?"
"Ayanokouji-kun, do you have dementia, or are you just an idiot? Didn't I just tell you that I'm not interested?"
"That doesn't mean you won't join, though," Ayanokoji replied.
"Now you're just splitting hairs. Don't argue for the sake of arguing."
"Okay then." Ayanokoji stopped speaking, feeling relieved that Horikita had declined. He felt it would be more comfortable if it was just him and Ryuji. Horikita would just make things unbearable with her bitchy attitude.
"Why not tag along?" All of a sudden Ryuji addressed Horikita, "I heard the current Student Council President will be giving a speech at the club fair. Aren't you interested in that? I wonder what the Student Council President of such a school is like, he must be amazing, no?" Ryuji continued talking, seemingly unaware of whether Horikita was listening or not.
Ayanokoji looked at him and shook his head in pity. He felt bad for his first friend.
You're talking to a brick wall Yamamoto, I suppose it's not your fault that you don't know how much of a demon this person is. I guess you'll be lucky if she just ignored you but if she insists on insulting you I might not be able to hel—
"Well… I suppose you're not wrong for thinking that. The Student Council President of such a prestigious school is most definitely a genius beyond anyone's measure." Horikita wiped her mouth with a handkerchief gently before nodding towards Ryuji, "I will take you up on your offer but do not misunderstand, we're simply accompanying each other. I don't want the both of you to foster any kind of misunderstanding of us being friends."
Horikita paused, "I guess Yamamoto-san is smart enough but a certain someone still needs to be addressed." She didn't forget to throw a jab at Ayanokoji.
Ayanokoji's face didn't change outwardly but inwardly he was shaken. This frosty demon could actually hold a conversation? And why was she so biased against him while praising Ryuji!?
Ayanokoji's feelings of betrayal intensified as he glanced at Ryuji's smug grin.
Feeling defeated he slumped into his seat.
"Yamamoto Ryuji,"
"Horikita Suzune,"
They greeted each other, not caring about Ayanokoji's feelings.
How could they have known Ryuji had simply flattered her beloved brother to gain her attention and favor? While sudden, Ryuji had very naturally included the Student Council President in his words so neither could surely suspect him of using Horikita's admiration for her brother to ensure she went along with them.
In the original novel, Horikita had reluctantly agreed to visit the club fair with Ayanokoji but with Ryuji's presence, she would most likely go alone secretly.
Ryuji wouldn't allow that.
To ensure smooth operations in the future he had to first make sure his presence was noted in all the important girls' minds.
Otherwise, blackmailing them in the future would prove to be difficult.
_______________
A/N- Powerstones and reviews :)